
Contemporary
Whitstable, Kent
This garden design in Kent is one of our biggest and best projects to date – a year-long build. Our brief was to create a traditional but modern country garden, dividing the space into different functional areas. Bespoke solid oak arches and a patio and walkway made of clay pavers & sandstone slabs alongside a swimming pool and sunken hot tub created the hard landscaping and functionality. Seasonal interest planting brought colour, more interest and softened everything.
Within this garden design in Kent sits a beautiful swimming pool. It adds a touch of luxury that makes it a great place to relax and have fun with friends and family. In every area, the sunny lounging locations were made with everyday use in mind, mixing comfort and flair.
We focused on growing plants that would bring all-year-round interest and would soften off the hard landscaping. Perennials, grasses, and shrubs that have been carefully chosen with the colours and textures in mind. We have made sure the planting softens off the clean lines of the sandstone slabs and wooden features all year long. It’s a garden that transforms beautifully throughout the year.


We worked closely with our clients to carefully plan each part of this garden design in Kent so that it would be beautiful and practical all year long. The strong oak arches that were made by hand give the garden a classic look and help define the different areas, making the journey through the garden more attractive. The patio and walkway, created from traditional clay pavers and slabs, carry visitors seamlessly from the house to the pool and beyond, giving the complete garden a sense of flow and cohesiveness.
This garden design in Kent is one of our favourite projects so far. The aim was to create a space with colourful, luxuriant plants to create an outside space that is both welcoming and one-of-a-kind.
We designed the firepit area to sit underneath the large wooden pergola. This allows for ample shade in the summertime and creates more of a secluded, cosy area. The wood and stone elements, as well as the comfortable chairs, were all chosen to make the space feel warm and welcoming, combining indoor style with outdoor comfort.



The wooden arches are big features in this garden. They make the garden seem longer and allow for separated areas, leading you through the garden. Over time, climbing plants will cover the posts, making the wood blend in with the rest of the garden and creating shady spots that are ideal for hot summer days. I love how these wooden arches frame the views and allow the different areas to feel separated, yet it all flows together perfectly.



The path begins with beige sandstone paving surrounded by stone. This guides people right through a bold combination of flowers and grasses. We used stone around the paving planks to create a modern yet coastal feel to the garden. We carefully selected a blend of perennials and grasses to break up the areas and allow the garden to flow with colour and texture. Every step brings something new: beautiful salvias or grasses that sway in the wind and the sound of a butterfly or bee buzzing around.
At the end of the central sandstone path, there is a beautiful large planting feature. This is really eye-catching from the house, and it can easily guide you through the arches towards the bottom of the garden. The area then opens up into a comfortable place to sit by the pool. It’s the perfect spot to relax and unwind.


Before







About
Planted by: Ivy & Whyte
Gravel: CED Stone
Paving: London Stone
Cladding: London Stone
Plants: Palmstead Nurseries Ltd
Specification
Design, Planting
Completed 2024
150m2 , 484 sq ft



